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Explore Volusia Monthly Programs

Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs each month. Environmental specialists will lead a variety of outdoor adventures and volunteer and learn programs.  Registration is required; call (386) 736-5927.  Volusia County Environmental Management • 123 West Indiana Ave. Room 202DeLand, FL 32720 • (386-) 736-5927http://www.volusia.org/explorevolusia Upcoming events include: Volunteer & Learn – Holiday Beach Cleanup January 1, 10:00 am … Continue reading Explore Volusia Monthly Programs

Become a Volusia Explorer

Explore Volusia is starting a monthly challenge using the iNaturalist app where you can earn prizes! All you need to do is download the iNaturalist app, available on iPhone and Android devices, to get started. Visit the conservation land of the month, as designated on the app or online at Volusia.org. Using the app, find the hiking trail and follow the directions on the blue … Continue reading Become a Volusia Explorer

Rooting for Fall @ Rooterville Animal Sanctuary

It’s no secret that our family is composed of some hardcore animal lovers. We have a small wolf pack of dogs in our home, and Avery (and maybe me, too) wants to bring home just about any animal she meets. We spend our summers raising tadpoles, hatching butterfly cocoons and catching frogs and every bug under the Florida sun. We visit animal sanctuaries and experiences … Continue reading Rooting for Fall @ Rooterville Animal Sanctuary

Oh, my Gourd – It’s Fall!

Spooky Season is a big deal in the Walters family. We are dead serious about Halloween and all the creepy fun that comes with it. Florida may not get a traditional fall like they do up north, but we’re no strangers to the fun activities that come with Autumn. While its name may be deceiving, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest is the place to be this … Continue reading Oh, my Gourd – It’s Fall!

De Leon Springs Sugar Mill Announces Big Changes

Photos and Text by Kelsey Walters On Monday night, August 8, 2022, The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park made the following announcement on their Facebook page: After 61 years, the Old Spanish Sugar Mill will be closing its screen doors. While it is unfortunate, the state has decided not to renew our contract and move forward with another concession in … Continue reading De Leon Springs Sugar Mill Announces Big Changes

An Elephant You’ll Never Forget: Two Tails Ranch 

Photos by Kelsey Walters  Florida is widely known for its ideal climate. Not only do tourists and retirees flock to our state in masses, its perfect ly warm and sunny weather gives way to an enormous range of wildlife. It is also why so many ranches and nature facilities are centered in Florida. Besides our world-famous beaches, the interior of the state is lined with … Continue reading An Elephant You’ll Never Forget: Two Tails Ranch 

Keep Kids Busy this Summer with Fun Local Destinations

Summer has just begun, but parents everywhere are already looking for ways to keep their kids active and entertained – and more importantly, off the couch and screens. Volusia County and the surrounding Central Florida area offer tons of entertaining options for families with kids and adults of all ages. Here are some of our favorite options, all within about one hour of Volusia County. … Continue reading Keep Kids Busy this Summer with Fun Local Destinations

Sixth Annual Gator Week Celebration Returns to Wild Florida

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year again at Wild Florida! From May 23 – 28, Wild  Florida will host Gator Week and offer free Gator Park admission to guests who donate any amount  toward our Wild Florida Scholarship Fund for Osceola County students. Additionally, as the founders of  National Alligator Day on May 29, Wild Florida will also celebrate this special day at … Continue reading Sixth Annual Gator Week Celebration Returns to Wild Florida

Hike and Seek: Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead – Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive 

Photos/Text by Kelsey Walters  Our corner of Florida isn’t exactly known for higher elevations. The coastline is relatively flat and hills in the area are mostly man-made. As you travel further inland, however, the scenery begins to change and rolling hills creep up from the sea level to which we are accustomed.  The area surrounding Lake Apopka, Florida’s fourth largest lake, is a wealth of … Continue reading Hike and Seek: Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead – Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive 

Where the Wild Things Are: Brevard Zoo

Text by Kelsey Walters // Photos by Kelsey and Scott Walters  With cooler temps and sunny days combining to create the perfect weather, Floridians are flocking to the outdoors this time of year. We aren’t the only ones enjoying the break from the heat. Wildlife everywhere are rejoicing in the milder weather and getting more and more active.  All this means that it’s zoo season! … Continue reading Where the Wild Things Are: Brevard Zoo